Friday, April 8, 2022

"Massachusetts residents should not settle for less than healthy rivers and harbors"

"The cleanup of Boston Harbor is incomplete

Largely unknown to the public, raw sewage is still dumped into the Mystic and Charles rivers, which empty directly into the harbor."

"The cleanup of Boston Harbor is considered one of the great environmental success stories of our time — and deservedly so. It has helped transform the quality of life in the metro Boston area as residents and businesses live, work, and play near the newly cleaned up harbor and the rivers that feed into it.

But sadly, and largely unknown to the public, raw sewage is still dumped into the Mystic and Charles rivers that empty right into the harbor. Depending on the volume of rainfall and snowmelt, up to 500 million gallons of sewage mixed with storm water are discharged into the harbor via the two rivers every year.

These discharges flow from old underground pipe networks known as combined sewer systems, engineering relics that were designed to collect rainwater runoff, domestic sewage, and industrial wastewater in the same pipe leading to a treatment plant. But during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, the wastewater volume can exceed the pipe’s capacity, causing a combined sewer overflow, or CSO, that dumps the polluted contents directly into the rivers."

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/04/02/opinion/cleanup-boston-harbor-is-incomplete/ 

For more about the CRWA -> https://www.crwa.org/

  • The Town of Franklin (ToF) is also involved and recently passed the storm water utility fee (starting in Jan 2023) to help fund that effort and relieve pressure from the operating budget. For more about storm water visit the ToF page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

Scientist Scott Smith and actor Mark Ruffalo work in the Charles River in 2014. The actor, in town to film the movie "Spotlight," helped with water testing near an outfall pipe into the river. SUZANNE KREITER/GLOBE STAFF
Scientist Scott Smith and actor Mark Ruffalo work in the Charles River in 2014. The actor, in town to film the movie "Spotlight," helped with water testing near an outfall pipe into the river.SUZANNE KREITER/GLOBE STAFF

10th Annual Culinary Cabaret - Apr 8

Join us at THE BLACK BOX when the culinary and performing arts unite for an inspired evening of fabulous, libations, and entertainment! 

The 10th annual Culinary Cabaret spotlights this region's outstanding culinary talent, showcasing fine wines, craft beer, delectable spirits, flavorful dishes and mouth-watering desserts! Featuring entertainment by Electric Youth and special guest artists of the Franklin Performing Arts Company. Culinary Cabaret supports Electric Youth 2022!

Your $75 per person all-inclusive ticket delivers a delicious, entertaining evening!

Tickets available online -> https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1550  or call the box office -> (508) 528-3370

10th Annual Culinary Cabaret - Apr 8
10th Annual Culinary Cabaret - Apr 8


Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Apr 8, 2022

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: FireSense
7:30 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Chris Woolf
9:00 am Frank's Musings: Fraud
10:00 am Physician Focus: Alzheimer's
10:30 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 3
11:30 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: FireSense
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: French Toast
12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs
1:00 pm Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6
7:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Task Force
8:00 pm Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 3
8:30 pm ArtWeek: FHS Jazz & Kenny Hadley Band

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Strings School 05-16-16
8:30 am It Takes A Village: Dementia
9:30 am FHS Girls Varsity Tennis: v Taunton 05-25-21
11:30 am FHS Varsity Softball: v Attleboro 06-10-21
2:00 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18
7:00 pm Public School Event: FHS Pops Night 05-09-18
8:30 pm ArtWeek: Games
9:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Hingham 06-25-21

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 03-24-22
11:00 am Joint Budget Subcommittee: 03-10-22
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 03-24-22

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf     

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) newsletter

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) newsletter is shared here for your reading pleasure.   https://drive.google.com/file/d/10xF8dIlKw2-rHVjNws_HL7DxC-Xq3hNT/view?usp=sharing

Visit FEF on the web to donate and find out where your donation goes ->   https://www.franklined.org/

 

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF)
Franklin Education Foundation (FEF)

Fertility Rates: Declined for Younger Women, Increased for Older Women (US Census data)

Demographics is a topic coming up from time to time in discussions around Franklin. What is our population? Why is our school population declining? The US Census stats show that our student population decline is not unique to Franklin.

Stable fertility rates 1990-2019 mask distinct variations by age. Learn more in this America Counts story.
Registered United States Census Bureau Logo

America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers

A mother lays in a hospital bed with her newborn child.
Gray Divider

Fertility Rates: Declined for Younger Women, Increased for Older Women

Overall fertility trends from 1990 to 2019 were relatively stable, compared to previous decades but varied significantly by age, according to a Census Bureau analysis.

The analysis, which looked at Census Bureau and National Center for Health Statistics data, shows fertility rates of women ages 20-24 declined by 43%, while those of women ages 35-39 increased by 67% during the roughly 30-year period.

Read More

Together, the data paint a compelling picture of how the age at which American women give birth has changed over time.

Fertility rates in the United States gradually declined from 1990 to 2019. In 1990, there were about 70.77 births each year for every 1,000 women ages 15-44. By 2019, there were about 58.21 births per 1,000 women in that age group.

Continue reading to learn more about:

  • Fertility trends: 1990-2019
  • Shifting age structures
  • Early 2000s mini birth boom
  • Historical fertility patterns

Help us spread the word about America Counts. Share this story on social media or forward it to a friend.

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You May Be Interested

A pregnant woman lays down on an examination table while hooked up to monitors.

U.S. Births Declined During the Pandemic: Several factors affect the birth rate but the pandemic did have an impact: births declined but began to rise again in March of this year.

Learn More

About America Counts

America Counts tells the stories behind the numbers in a new inviting way. It features stories on various topics such as families, housing, employment, business, education, economy, emergency management, health, populationincome and poverty. Contact our Public Information Office for media inquiries or interviews.

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Franklin Democrats: nomination paper signing event locations in Franklin - Apr 9

Franklin Democrats will be offering candidates' nomination papers to the public for signature on Saturday, April 9 (rain day: Sunday, April 10). 
 
Official nomination papers will be available for signature at tables outside Stop and Shop, Shaw's, and the Franklin Post Office from 10:00 AM until noon.
 
Residents are welcome to sign for any or all candidates running in the 2022 fall election.



Who can sign nomination papers for MA state office candidates? Registered voters in the party of the candidate who's nomination paper they are signing. Per a google search for MA regulations on this question I found:   https://www.mass.gov/doc/950-cmr-55-certification-of-nomination-papers-and-petitions/download

2022 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards recognize D Marchand, Pouliot-Porter, MacKinnon, Shabbick, L Marchand, Paterson

HockomockSports.com has posted their listing of awards for Boys Hockey for the Winter 2021-2022 season. We shared the FHS selections and provide the link to the full listing.
 
Dylan Marchand = 2022 HockomockSports.com Boys Hockey Player of the Year
Franklin senior Dylan Marchand has been named the 2022 HockomockSports.com Boys Hockey Player of the Year after a terrific season that saw the Panthers win the Kelley-Rex division title for the 11th straight year.

Marchand had a terrific year on the ice for the Panthers and was the most dynamic forward in the Hockomock League this year. He was also selected as the Hockomock League MVP. Two seasons ago, Marchand was named the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year as a sophomore.

Going up against some of the top teams in the state, Marchand was Franklin’s go-to option in the offensive zone. He scored 12 goals and was second in the league with 17 assists for a total of 29 points during the regular season. The Panthers played a handful of teams in the top 15 of Division 1 including Natick, Reading, Hingham, Belmont, Reading, and Catholic Memorial, as well as eventual D1 State Champions. Marchand had a goal as the Panthers lost by just one.
Continue reading the write up on Dylan

First Team 

Cole Pouliot-Porter – Franklin – Goalie
Franklin sophomore Cole Pouliot-Porter took over in net for the Panthers this season and looked like a veteran from the start, helping the program clinch yet another Kelley-Rex title. Not only was Pouliot-Porter successful in league play, but he also had strong performances against some of the best teams in the state. He finished the regular season with 459 saves in 18.2 games played, posting a 2.62 goals against average with a 0.910% save percentage. “What can I say, he was our heart and our backbone all season,” said Franklin head coach Anthony Sarno. “This kid is just amazing and only 15 years old. To me and our squad, we consider him the best in the state! I can’t say enough about Cole, such a great person off the ice and in the classroom as well. A pleasure to have on our team.”

Dylan Marchand – Franklin – Forward
Franklin senior Dylan Marchand had a dominant season on the ice for the Kelley-Rex division champion Panthers. A speedy, skilled forward, Marchand was a handful for opposing defenses to deal with. He was among the top scorers in the league with 12 goals and was a catalyst in setting up the Panther offense, finishing with 17 assists in the regular season. “Dylan is a player with great speed that has the ability to change a game in an instant,” said Franklin head coach Anthony Sarno. “I call him the Energizer Bunny, as he never stops…great kid and a pleasure to have. He is going to be missed.”

Second Team 

Jack MacKinnon – Franklin – Defense
Franklin senior Jack MacKinnon had a great comeback season, captaining the Panthers to their 11th straight Kelley-Rex division title and a trip to the Division 1 state tournament. Still battling through an injury, MacKinnon is a smart defenseman that reads the ice very well. He can jump into the offense too and does a nice job moving the puck around in the offensive zone. “He gave us everything he could once he was cleared,” Franklin coach Anthony Sarno said. “I cannot say enough great things about Jack. He is just an amazing young man and elite in the classroom as well, a National Homer Society member and highly respected by his peers for all he brings to the table. He works extremely hard to improve himself each and every day and has a very bright future shared. He will be missed.”

Christian Shabbick – Franklin – Forward
Franklin senior Christian Shabbick had a standout season on the ice at forward for the Kelley-Rex division-winning Panthers. Noted as one of the most improved players on the squad, Shabbick gave Franklin much-needed depth in its attack as the Panthers battled some of the top teams in the state. He finished the regular season with 12 goals and 12 assists, including two goals against eventual state champs St. John’s Prep. “Christian Shabbick has been my most improved and hardest working player day in and day out,” said Franklin head coach Anthony Sarno. “He works so hard and has a great skill set and he put that on display for everyone to witness this season. He is a great teammate as well. He deserved to be an All Star as he represents what an All Star should be!”

All Underclassmen

Cole Pouliot-Porter – Franklin – Goalie
Franklin sophomore Cole Pouliot-Porter looked like a seasoned veteran more than a first-year starter, helping the Panthers clinch another Kelley-Rex division title. Playing against some of the best teams and offenses in the state, Pouliot-Porter turned in strong performance after strong performance, giving Franklin a chance in those contests. He finished the regular season with 459 saves in 18.2 games played, posting a 2.62 goals against average with a 0.910% save percentage. “Everywhere we go and teams we play, they always comment about how mature and incredible skilled Cole is, especially for his young age,” said Franklin head coach Anthony Sarno. “Looking forward to seeing him between the pipe next season as he grows and matures even more.”
 
Logan Marchand – Franklin – Defense
Franklin sophomore Logan Marchand battled through injury all season but still was a big contributor for the Kelley-Rex division champs. Despite playing against some of the best offenses the state has to offer, Marchand was a rock in the defensive zone for the Panthers. He finished the regular season with three goals and added eight assists for 11 points. “Logan Marchand is as tough of a defenseman as you will find for a sophomore,” said Franklin head coach Anthony Sarno. “He has size strength and the ability to transition to offense pretty quick. He is such a good teammate and a great person, any coach would love to have him. I can’t wait to see him with two good strong knees next season as he will be a dominating force on the blue line again!”

Ben Paterson – Franklin – Forward
Franklin sophomore broke into the lineup for the Panthers and became an instant contributor, helping the Kelley-Rex division champs establish a deep and talented forward group needed to compete with their loaded schedule. He finished the regular season tied for second on the team in points, scoring 10 goals along with 14 assists to tie teammate Christian Shabbick with 24 points (seventh-most in the league). “Ben Paterson came in as a sophomore with a good skill set and displayed that every practice and game,” said Franklin head coach Anthony Sarno. “He was our second-leading scorer in point on the point and was counted on in special teams play and performed well. His ability to see the ice and get to stops is nice to see for a sophomore. I can’t wait to see him as he grows and matures as a player.”

For the complete listing of Boys Hockey awards
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/hockey/2021-2022/

2022 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards recognize D Marchand
2022 HockomockSports.com Boys Hockey Player of the Year

Ryan Gerety and Jacob Jette 2 of the Ten Baseball Players to Watch for 2022 Hockomock League

HockomockSports.com has posted their listing of the Ten Players to Watch for 2022 for Baseball. We shared the info on Ryan Gerety and Jacob Jette of FHS and provide the link to the full listing.


RYAN GERETY, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN
Franklin has a loaded lineup that makes them the team to beat in the Kelley-Rex division, and one of the top teams in the entire state, and one of the main pieces of it is junior Ryan Gerety. A Northeastern University commit, Gerety has all the tools to be a top player in the area. A left-handed batter, he sets the table from the top of the lineup and can put the ball in play all over the field. Not only does he pack a punch with good power at the plate, but he’s also very athletic and can cause some havoc on the base paths. On top of his offensive abilities, he’s one of the best defensive players in the league as well.

JACOB JETTE, SENIOR – FRANKLIN
As mentioned earlier, Franklin will be the team to beat in the league this year and will be in the mix as a top team in the entire state. One of those reasons is the offense, but the other big reason is because of a talented and deep pitching staff, anchored by senior UMass Lowell commit Jacob Jette. Jette was the ace of the staff last year and delivered, going 4-1 in the regular season in 26.2 innings of work, striking out 36 (most among returning players) with a 1.84 ERA. With a year of experience under his belt and a full offseason, Jette will be among the top arms in both the Hock and the entire region.

Find the Girls Lacrosse: Ten Players to Watch for 2022
https://hockomocksports.com/baseball-ten-players-to-watch-for-2022/

 

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

HockomockSports.com: FHS boys lacrosse preview for Spring 2022 season

HockomockSports.com has published their preview of the boys lacrosse teams for the Hockomock League. The Franklin portion of the article is shared here along with the link to read the full article covering the remainder of the league. 

FRANKLIN
2021 Record: 18-1
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Final
Coach: Lou Verrochi

After reaching the program’s first sectional final in 2021, Franklin brings a typically strong lineup of experienced players who will be aiming to make a run in the new statewide tournament. The Panthers have loaded up their regular season schedule to prepare for the rigors of the tournament with state powers Medfield, Lincoln-Sudbury, and St. John’s Prep among the teams that Franklin will challenge itself against to be ready to shoot for silverware this spring.

Franklin’s attack scored more than 300 goals in 19 games last season and should be just as dynamic this year with junior All-American Luke Davis joined by classmate Jayden Consigli, who were both in the top five in scoring in the league in 2021. Junior Tyler Sacchetti will be the third member of the attacking crew. Sophomore Drew Hansen and Ed O’Brien and junior John Walshe will make up the first midfield. Junior Justin Alexander was one of the best face-off middies in the state last year and the Panthers will be counting on him to control possessions again this season.

Senior Kyle Palmieri will lead the defensive group, which should once again be a challenge for the opposition to score against. Junior Ben Harvey and senior Billy Gardner will also be key players at close defense. Sophomore goalie Matt Corvi will step into the cage this spring and has the potential to be a standout.

“Once again, we will have a very competitive team this spring with a very tough schedule,” said Franklin coach Lou Verrochi.

Find the rest of the boys lacrosse preview posted by HockomockSports.com


Following a first South final appearance, Franklin returns a strong group to go after a state title. Find full previews for all teams below. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Following a first South final appearance, Franklin returns a strong group to go after a state title. Find full previews for all teams below. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)


Cinco de Mayo Mexican Quick Bites - cooking demonstration - Apr 28


Cinco de Mayo
Mexican Cooking Demonstration
Just in time - Mexican Quick Bites....Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with these delicious appetizer ideas that are perfect for any fiesta. You will learn how to make tortilla dough that can be used for a variety of quick appetizers, perfect for a small gathering. Instructor will demonstrate techniques and attendees will have the opportunity to sample the final product.

Franklin High School
Thursday, April 28
Cost: $35
For more information & additional details visit

Community Pres Cmte discusses first draft of 'master plan' to fund projects for FY 2023

FM #766 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 766 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the meeting of the Franklin, MA Community Preservation Committee (CPC) conducted on April 5, 2022.  


Quick recap 

  • The CPC approved minutes of the two public hearings conducted in January

  • The CPC heard from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen as he presented the draft “master plan” for use of the CPA funds.

  • Q&A and discussion clarified points of the report. The committee will get to vote on the budget for FY 2023 later this year (likely May or June)


The recording runs about 41 minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin’s Community Preservation Committee meeting held April 5, 2022.


Audio file ->  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-766-community-preservation-cmte-mtg-04-05-22


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Agenda doc including the draft of the “master plan”

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-06-05_cpc_meeting_agenda.pdf 


Please bookmark the Franklin CPC website: https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee 


My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GFORgtVT-zzWzNKbAR31piqHqhT_jeGT/view?usp=sharing 



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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Community Pres Cmte discusses first draft of 'master plan' to fund projects for FY 2023
Community Pres Cmte discusses first draft of 'master plan' to fund projects for FY 2023

First responder event at Franklin Nutrition - Apr 9 from 9 AM to noon

"Join us this Saturday, April 9th from 9am-12pm at Franklin Nutrition!"

First responder event at Franklin Nutrition - Apr 9 from 9 AM to noon
First responder event at Franklin Nutrition - Apr 9 from 9 AM to noon

Shared from  https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1511866284379676679